7 Days Affordable Yoga Retreat in Portugal

Overview

Yoga Retreat Portugal

This yoga retreat is in Central Portugal, about an hours drive east of the ancient Portuguese capital city Coimbra, Situated between the River Mondego and River Alva nestling on a wooded hillside with panoramic views. In this stunning and tranquil setting, Yoga Retreat Portugal, the organizer, offers individuals, couples or small groups a real opportunity for a get away from it all holiday to discover that life can still offer peace and renewal, to help you discover your true nature and to lose the sense of I and become one with everything. The group size is mostly small so each guest will get personalized attention.

Highlights

Daily 2 hours morning yoga sessions

Daily 2 hours evening yoga sessions

Small size group for more personalized attention

Opportunity to explore organics, solar power and other aspects of self sufficiency

Transfers to and fro from Santa Comba Dao

Environmentally friendly accommodation

Delicious vegetarian/vegan food

6 nights accommodation

Skill level

You will be staying in single or double rooms with all bedding and towels provided. Most of the power for electric is generated from solar panels, the water is from a water mine and food is increasingly from the organic gardens. You will be able to experience and see examples of how a self-sufficient life style could look. There will be opportunities for those who wish to explore organics, solar power, nutrition and other aspects of self sufficiency.

Morning yoga

Morning yoga practice is based on the primary series of Ashtanga yoga. Even though this is done in a class setting, the practice is individual. Some people think you have to be very flexible and strong to do yoga classes, especially Ashtanga! This is a complete myth. For instance, you may be asked to do a forward bend. Each person will be at a different stage, one person may have their hands on the floor, for another, it may be enough to place their hands on their thighs. It does not matter how deep you are in the posture, what matters is that you are in good alignment and focused on the breath.

The same is true for the sun salutations. At first, it can be demanding and you may not be able to do five in a row, so you do what you can, resting where necessary and joining in again when you can. All the practice asks is that you make the effort to go to your edge. You all start from where you are, practicing at your edge is demanding, working the muscles produces an internal heat that helps purify and detox the body. Because the practice never changes and the postures flow, it becomes the most meditative of practices. By focusing the mind on the breath and then linking the breath to the movement a unity between mind and body is established.

Evening yoga

Evening yoga practice is more like a traditional Hatha yoga class. You will look at individual postures, paying attention to good alignment, using modifications where necessary. One of the objectives will be to understand how to work in posture, learning principles that can be applied to any posture. You will look at other aspects of yoga practice such as pranayama, the breathing exercises; philosophy, important in developing an appropriate mind set for the practice; anatomy and physiology, to help understand the physical processes involved in the postures.

Tony Speirs holds a teaching diploma from the British Wheel of Yoga, attended intensive teacher training with David Swenson, has studied in India at the Pattabhi Jois shala in Mysore and has attended many workshops in the United Kingdom. Whether you have never tried yoga before, are a novice or already proficient, you will be able to take part in the series of yoga sessions run each day. If you can breathe, you can learn and benefit from yoga. From Tony's experience of teaching, it seems that he is trying to reconcile each students inner world with their actual lives.

Quinta da Figueirhina, farm of the little fig, sits in seven acres of farmland and woodlands on a hillside above the town of Tabua. The scenery is spectacular, the climate temperate and benign. The rivers Mondego and Alva have carved their way from rugged heights to lush valleys filled with trees.

Full board meals are included in the price. At Quinta da Figueirhina, Yoga Retreat Portugal is working towards being largely self-sufficient for organic vegetables, fruits, beans and salad. In the meantime, they source fresh and organic supplies from the plentiful, local produce which flourish in the temperate climate enjoyed year round. They have their own water mine for fresh water.

There are many different ideas about nutrition. So, in selecting what range of foods should be provided, Yoga Retreat Portugal needed to decide what principles should be applied. One of the main guiding principles was that the foods are as unprocessed as possible, from the production of the seed, through the growing and harvesting to the distribution and eventual preparation for eating.

Another principle was to use organic produce, locally grown and in season. It is hoped that as much as possible will be grown here at the Quinta da Figueirhina yoga centre, though this is still a little way away. The preparation of the meals is based on whole food and macrobiotic principles. This is exciting fusion-cooking that will appeal to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

When you are not taking the yoga classes or enjoying the wonderful food, there are lots of activities available locally and places of interest to visit. The Tabua area is famous for walking routes, horse and bike riding, canoeing and other activities, with local hire of equipment easily arranged. Further afield is Coimbra, former capital of Portugal, one of the oldest university towns in the world, rich in architectural and archeological interest plus the shops and nightlife of a city.

The nearest international airport is Francisco de S Carneiro Airport (OPO / LPPR), which is near Porto and is served by EasyJet, RyanAir, Iberia, Lufthansa, Sata Internacional, TAP Portugal and Brussels Airlines. The other international airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS / LPPT). On arrival at Porto or Lisbon, the metro or airport bus will take you to the train or bus station where you can take a train or bus to Santa Comba Dao, from where you will be picked up. Again, all arrangements can be made at the time of booking.

"I spent one very relaxing week at Tony's place. His Quinta has a beautiful setup, and has a nice flair and ensures a very calm environment. I had the luck of having beautiful warm sunny days at the beginning of October. It's just priceless to have your morning drink on the veranda while the sun shines on your face. I had the pleasure to meet a British girl for a few days and share this little 'island of piece' and the learning bits of ashtanga with her. Then in the second half of my stay I had the luxury to be the only student in Tony's ashtanga class. He is a rigorous teacher making sure that one also understands the detailed alignment needs for the correct practice and is open to discuss any questions or doubts. I learned so much from him and having spent a week in Tabua changed my practice a lot. I am thankful for all the curiosity, advice, patience and care&support of Tony. I got so much more than what I expected... and hope I can come back soon."

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Review by Donna A from Tabua, Portugal

10 out of 10

"Fantastic , rustic venue with yoga teacher Tony. Lovely food . A long way to travel for a weekend so would recommend a week, but a real adventure."

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Review by Marianne from Hamburg, Germany

"For me Ashtanga is quite challenging, but Tony, the teacher, did a great job. We were a group of 2 resp. 3 students and he gave very good attention to our different levels and also interests. To my opinion Tony is a great yoga teacher and he seems to really love what he does. He did not get tired of making corrections at our postures, which were absolutely necessary and also important, as I trust nobody wants to practice or continue practicing the wrong way, which can eventually even do harm to our body. I very much liked the small size of the group, too."

"The location is absolutely nice. Very quiet and in the countryside, no neighbours and a beautiful view ... I really liked that! The rooms are nice as well, and I only shared the bathroom with one other student, that was perfect. Pick up and return to the train station in Santa Comba Dao worked perfectly."

"Considering the food, I felt very spoilt. I loved everything and miss it already very much. Although I only eat vegan at home myself, I do have to improve my cooking and baking skills. ;-)"

"I also enjoyed the fact that the classes were not "esoteric", which is normal according to my information for Ashtanga, but not for all yoga retreats. (I am saying this although I also practice Kundalini Yoga at home, which I feel is quite spiritual and I do like that, as well.)"

"There was also WiFi available, which worked perfectly with my Fairphone. - Maybe it would have been even more relaxing without internet, but of course that's up to myself."

"I can truly recommend this place!"

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Review by Teresa Coimbra from London, England

9 out of 10

"I have been practising yoga for just over a year and had never been on a retreat so consider myself new to yoga. I felt like I learnt lots from Tony in a short time, especially alignments and corrections which I feel are really important. It was great to have a small class so that everyone could have attention. Tony also helped with some ideas and suggestions to improve my self practice when I return home. The setting is beautiful and quiet and the stone cottage remains cool so you have a good sleep at night. The food was lovely and tasty and I have learnt some new and healthier options which I will put into practice. Overall, I felt like I had relaxed but that I had also worked hard on improvements and I don't think you can ask for much more than that. It was my first retreat but definitely won't be my last."

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Review by Jacky Donovan from Las Palmas, Spain

5 out of 10

"VENUE"

"If you like doing yoga but enjoy indulging in the usual home comforts of tea / coffee / smoking / alcohol / noise etc. then this is the holiday for you. If, however, you prefer to be in a stimulant-free environment with some peace and quiet, then you will probably be better off elsewhere. The setting for the holiday is picture perfect, but two of the rooms are directly under the kitchen and seating area, so are incredibly noisy both day and night. The wifi was absolutely atrocious and clearly not up to being able to support the venue. It was possible to be the only person trying to use it and still be unable to do so, so there is clearly an issue with it that needs resolution if Tony, the owner, intends to continue to claim that it is available. Whilst many of us would prefer to be able to stay away from it during a relaxing holiday, I had work commitments to meet and booked this location because Tony claimed that wifi worked."

"YOGA"

"Tony could be an excellent teacher as the classes are small so individual attention is possible. It is unfortunate that he was more judgemental than any yoga teacher I have ever come across, super keen to criticise an individual's abilities, picking out all the negative aspects of their postures rather than attempting to focus on the fact that yoga should be based on the individual's personal capabilities and recognising that no two of us are the same."

"FOOD AND DRINK"

"Tony's website claims the food is from his own organic gardens. Everything we ate came from the local shops, often encased in plastic boxes and sealed bags. The curry sauces we had on two evenings originated in a couple of jars. Everything was vegetarian, which was very welcome, although there was the option to eat fish or meat when we went out for a meal one evening should people wish to indulge. Several of us weren't keen we had to sit in a local bar til nearly midnight that night while Tony enjoyed the company of his friends. Not knowing the way back to the house, we were obliged to stay until he himself was forced to leave to pick up new arrivals. I have no issue with food from jars if it's what I have been led to expect, but it's not what the blurb about the venue proclaimed."

"OVERALL"

"Disappointing. It had potential which wasn't met. Commitments were made which weren't delivered and Tony himself was way too judgemental to be able to successfully encourage someone to improve."

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Review by Charlotte from Copenhagen, Denmark

10 out of 10

"So glad that I decided to stay at the retreat at Tabua, Portugal. First of all I loved the place itself - the autencity and the rural environment. As a beginner with yoga I enjoyed the the privilege of all the attention from the teacher as his classes are small. The difference in my body after my stay was quite remarkable. Also the wonderful natural food has been an eye opener for me. I highly recommend the retreat, if you are looking for somerhing autentic."

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Review by Chloe Mozingo from Stuttgart, Germany

10 out of 10

"My yoga retreat experience in Portugal was amazing! Having already attended multiple advanced yoga trainings, I was still able to learn several things from Tony in a very short period of time. Not only is Tony an awesome yoga teacher, but he is a wonderful person. Tony and his retreats are extremely flexible. He really made the effort to show our small group around the local area, such as taking us to an amazing Roman ruins amphitheater. Also his vegetarian cooking is second to none. I would highly recommend a retreat with Tony. My only regret was not staying long enough!"

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Review by Hazel

8 out of 10

"I have done yoga in the past but I would class myself as a novice. Tony, the teacher was extremely knowledgeable kind and patience. I cannot call myself an expert in yoga but Tony facilitated my learning. I lost weight and body feels more lean in just one week. The retreat is peaceful clean the food was excellent, all organic fresh and cooked daily. Tony made me feel at ease and I would highly recommend this retreat to anyone either embarking on their yoga journey or to experienced yoga individuals."

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Review by Andrea Kahland from Frankfurt, Germany

"This is certainly a place I can highly recommend! Very small yoga-classes with lots of adjustments and personal training. A lovely atmosphere and environment, great food and comfortable accommodation. I had a great time and I am definitely coming back for another yoga retreat. Tony is a very experienced teacher with a lovely character and has a good sense of humor. A must to go place!"

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Review by Chantal from Netherland

10 out of 10

"The retreat was lovely, a very nice place and a warm and kind welcome by Tony. Good lodging and delicious food. Also the environment is beautiful and interesting, Tony has been an excellent and friendly guide on trips."

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Review by Daina from United Kingdom

10 out of 10

"I was lucky to get to Tony's retreat at the end of April when there was an abundance of various bright coloured fowers, wild lavender in bloom, grass high and lavish. If you are looking for a relaxed place literally away from everything - this is it. If you consider it a luxury being close to the nature, having your cup of tea or meditative time on the majestic rock, in the night watching stars, listening to the cicadas, to a distant dog bark in the nearby village and watching car headlights silently crawling up the tracks across the valley, if your ears are longing for the bird singing as the only sound in early hours, if your eyes are ready to soak up stunning views - this is your place. If you value homemade bread, organic freshly prepared vegetarian food and relaxed, informal or meaningful conversations at the big wooden table in the kitchen full of sunlight - Tony is your host. If you find it exciting driving a roaring dusty 4x4 beast up the track to the picturesque village - this is your adventure. If you are ready to follow intense Ashtanga system in the morning, to realize your development points and work on them in personally tailored evening class with lots of attention - this is your practice. The massive rock wall and wooden floor in the studio keep your feet grounded and breathing in present. Rooms and bathrooms are clean and have all the necessities. It is your choice to go for a wander around, get absorbed in reading or to give a hand in jobs to do. We did canoeing down the wide beautiful river Mondjego, horse riding in horse whisperers farm - all seemed to be easily arranganed. Tony is a great teacher and host. I found my experience rejuvenating, refreshing, as developing as creative and inspiring, proper energy boost for the subtle and for gross. Thank you Tony, looking forward to go back again one day."

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Review by Carolyn Dawson

"I met some lovely people and we had fun - Tony went out of his way to give us some wonderful experiences."

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Review by Niels Wagenaar from Alkmaar, The Netherlands

"The retreat was fine. Tony is a teacher with a lot of experience and has a strong view on how the Ashtanga practice should be carried out. In accordance with the old tradition of straight back and in flow with the breathing we worked on the polishing of my practice. I was the only student this week and had the full attention. In the morning we had a two hour session in which we practiced the primary series. In the afternoon two hours of more mellow practice with breathing technique and yoga philosophy. The location is fantastic, beautiful panoramic view on the surrounding hills with forestry and small villages. The retreat is equipped with sustainable energy and authentic water well. The food Tony prepared is vegetarian and mainly from local suppliers. I really enjoyed the quiet week and had the opportunity to relax and take some distance from the normal patron."

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Review by Sarah Suda from London, UK

"The weekend yoga retreat with Tony was great. It was the first time I was guided through breathing and postures with that level of attention and have taken a lot from it which I will implement in my practice."

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Review by Beatrix from Basel, Switzerland

"I enjoyed the retreat very much. Tony the yoga teacher and host did an amazing job. His style of teaching was great and he responded to all my needs. Tony has a n excellent knowledge in Ashtanga yoga and his lessons are powerful and very motivating. The accommodation was nice and clean. Tony is a fantastic vegan cook. The surrounding is quiet and there are some nice walking trails.I would highly recommend a yoga retreat in Portugal with Tony."

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Review by Sherwyn from London, UK

"3 days yoga retreat at Santa comba dao ... was indeed a peaceful and refreshing time. Tony our yoga guru teacher master was very hospitable and welcoming. From the moment I started email correspondence, he genuinely came across as Mr. Nice Guy. Tony arranges to pick you up from the station and makes you feel right at home. The place is beautifully set across 3 acres of lush greenery and uses solar energy to run the whole place. Tony takes care of the meals which is a good healthy vegan diet from almond milk to homemade muesli fresh and dried fruits for breakfast, to lovely salad hummus for lunch and dinner. Feel free to help yourself with tea, coffee, bread, and yogurt anytime of the day.So now the yoga ... Ashtanga yoga that refreshes and strengthens the body and mind. 2 sessions a day and each session lasting 2 hours. Tony doesn't tend to take more than 4 at a time which really helps with the personal attention to details and helps in maintaining correct postures. Tony is passionate about his yoga and has done a correction course from David Swenson too. So he knows what he is talking about. It helps you realize where your body is but at the same time push it a bit further without causing damage."

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Review by Francesca from Brussels, Belgium

"I did the yoga retreat in Portugal for a week end in October and it was a lovely experience.First of all the location was great, in the middle of the country side, more or less 5 kilometers away from a village. Tony came to pick me up at the train station and brought me back. I couldn't ask any better. The accommodation was perfect, single room, shared bathroom, and common spaces had all the comforts to make the stay comfortable, cozy, and friendly.We had 4 hours of yoga per day, two in the morning and two in the evening. Tony follows and takes care of each person in class, corrects the postures, and give plenty of advice. Tony is a wonderful person, always smiling, and with great sense of humor. He is the best teacher I have had so far.I strongly recommend Yoga Retreat Portugal."

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Review by Janet from Sydney, Australia

"We had a great time at Yoga Retreat Portugal!!! As it's a bit out of the way, Tony picked us up from the local railway station and drove us to his hidden gem!The place is set on 3 hectares and feels like you are so secluded. The accommodation and yoga room were rustic and beautiful. The building was built on to a huge granite rock! This gave a really special ambiance to the classes in my opinion.I haven't really done much Asthanga yoga so this was a new experience to me. Tony was a very patient and thorough guide. Our classes lasted for over 2 hours each session and we really delved into the Asthanga practice. I really found Tony's classes great and I'm really inspired to do more Asthanga yoga. In between classes we had time to relax and also learn a bit about off grid solar power!The vegan meals were absolutely wonderful!! We're both not really used to a full vegan diet but both found the meals really delicious and we felt really full and satisfied after every meal.I thoroughly enjoyed my yoga weekend retreat and would highly recommend it to others"

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Review by Ulli from Stockholm, Sweden

"The location is in a very beautiful rural area, silence with natural sounds. Clean and neat sleeping, showering, and eating facilities. The food is vegetarian and you are able to get what you prefer, some organic too. The yoga teaching is suited for the level you are in. I even was lucky to get private lessons for 1 week. It is very well worth the money and Tony is doing everything in a planned and structured way with a twist. I now leave the place with a lot more strength and confidence and a rested smile too."